If anyone wonders how our region and state can get more federal funds, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood made it very clear in recent visits to Detroit and to Florida:
According to the Free Press, he said, "One of the most critical aspects that we’ll be looking at is there has to be a regional collaboration. There isn’t enough money to do these things single-handedly. . . . You all have to get your act together on this. It’s not that complicated."
The Free Press also said that transit is going to be a federal priority as President Barack Obama pushes for pedestrain-friendly communities.
In a recent speech in Florida, he "left little doubt that the $8 billion allocated by the Obama administration and Congress for high-speed rail would go to the communities that support all forms of transit, from buses to commuter trains to bicycle paths — not just roads. And he wants the systems to connect, allowing alternatives to people who want to get out of their cars, reducing congestion and pollution."
I wonder if our regional and state leaders will get the message?